Solar power developer to locate headquarters in Fletcher

Zentric, Inc. to create 116 new jobs in next few years

Zentric Inc. announced plans to consolidate and relocate operations of the company's headquarters to Continuum Drive in Fletcher.

MIKE DIRKS/TIMES-NEWS

By Mark SchulmanTimes-News Staff Writer

Published: Friday, December 21, 2012 at 9:25 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, December 21, 2012 at 9:25 a.m.

Zentric Inc., an alternative energies research and development company, will consolidate and relocate the company's headquarters to Fletcher, officials announced Friday in a news release.

The company plans to create 116 new jobs and invest $7 million in real and business personal property over the next few years. The location decision marks Zentric's emergence from a technology development company to an operating entity focused on advanced battery technology development, according to the release.

Zentric was founded in 2008 in Nevada and focuses on the development of battery technologies and fuel cell storage, officials said. The new headquarters will allow Zentric to further develop battery and solar technologies through research and design, but will also house assembly and administrative support operations.

“The decision to consolidate our office locations, and launch assembly operations, came after careful review and consideration of building options in many communities, in many states,” Zentric President William Tien said in the release. “Henderson County offered a strong business climate balanced with a focus on sustainability, elected leadership that understood business needs, and access to a qualified workforce — all of which help to ensure our company's successful start-up.”

Zentric plans to hire the 116 employees over the next four years, and as many as 44 through the end of 2013. The average wages for jobs provided by Zentric are more than $40,000 per year, and include research technicians, engineers, warehouse/logistics staff and office support.

In October, Fletcher Town Council approved a 10-year incentive package of up to $125,125 for Zentric. Up to $22,750 will be dispersed in the first year.

Fletcher Mayor Bill Moore said the town welcomes the company.

“We are excited to see new and innovative ideas and products being developed in our town, and of course we are excited about the positive employment impact this company will have,” he added.

Town Manager Mark Biberdorf said there is no timeline yet for when the facility will open, and said the research and development company offers something different to improve the local economy.

“There is a great number of jobs, and it is great for the community,” he said.

In October, the Henderson County Board of Commissioners approved incentives worth $197,736 for Zentric over 10 years.

“We are pleased with Zentric's decision to locate in Henderson County, and look forward to watching them grow and employ many people in our community as they become our newest corporate citizen, said Charlie Messer, board chairman.

The company selected an existing facility at 220 Continuum Drive after looking at many options. Zentric plans to expand the existing 31,000-square-foot facility in 2014 to accommodate additional growth.

N.C. Sen. Tom Apodaca said he is also excited about the announcement.

“They are on the cutting edge of technology and hopefully we (the county) will be on the front end of solar technology,” he said. “This is a great Christmas gift.”

Chip Gould, chairman of the Partnership for Economic Development's Board of Directors, said, “Zentric is a good example of the diverse nature of our economy and our community's ability to be competitive in pursuing diverse employment projects.”

Zentric's focus on alternative and renewable technology has been the impetus to its recent involvement in solar energy, according to the company's website. Battery back-up and storage is an integral component of solar energy solutions and as a result, Zentric has developed relationships with many solar panel suppliers who do not have the infrastructure or global relationships to expand their sales.

“Consequently, Zentric has become extremely active in the solar energy arena leveraging our extensive network of business contacts resulting in our participation in the supply and management of solar energy solutions that has become a major revenue contributor to our business model,” the website says.

<p>Zentric Inc., an alternative energies research and development company, will consolidate and relocate the company's headquarters to Fletcher, officials announced Friday in a news release.</p><p>The company plans to create 116 new jobs and invest $7 million in real and business personal property over the next few years. The location decision marks Zentric's emergence from a technology development company to an operating entity focused on advanced battery technology development, according to the release. </p><p>Zentric was founded in 2008 in Nevada and focuses on the development of battery technologies and fuel cell storage, officials said. The new headquarters will allow Zentric to further develop battery and solar technologies through research and design, but will also house assembly and administrative support operations. </p><p>“The decision to consolidate our office locations, and launch assembly operations, came after careful review and consideration of building options in many communities, in many states,” Zentric President William Tien said in the release. “Henderson County offered a strong business climate balanced with a focus on sustainability, elected leadership that understood business needs, and access to a qualified workforce — all of which help to ensure our company's successful start-up.” </p><p>Zentric plans to hire the 116 employees over the next four years, and as many as 44 through the end of 2013. The average wages for jobs provided by Zentric are more than $40,000 per year, and include research technicians, engineers, warehouse/logistics staff and office support. </p><p>In October, Fletcher Town Council approved a 10-year incentive package of up to $125,125 for Zentric. Up to $22,750 will be dispersed in the first year. </p><p>Fletcher Mayor Bill Moore said the town welcomes the company. </p><p>“We are excited to see new and innovative ideas and products being developed in our town, and of course we are excited about the positive employment impact this company will have,” he added. </p><p>Town Manager Mark Biberdorf said there is no timeline yet for when the facility will open, and said the research and development company offers something different to improve the local economy.</p><p>“There is a great number of jobs, and it is great for the community,” he said.</p><p>In October, the Henderson County Board of Commissioners approved incentives worth $197,736 for Zentric over 10 years.</p><p>“We are pleased with Zentric's decision to locate in Henderson County, and look forward to watching them grow and employ many people in our community as they become our newest corporate citizen, said Charlie Messer, board chairman. </p><p>The company selected an existing facility at 220 Continuum Drive after looking at many options. Zentric plans to expand the existing 31,000-square-foot facility in 2014 to accommodate additional growth. </p><p>N.C. Sen. Tom Apodaca said he is also excited about the announcement. </p><p>“They are on the cutting edge of technology and hopefully we (the county) will be on the front end of solar technology,” he said. “This is a great Christmas gift.”</p><p>Chip Gould, chairman of the Partnership for Economic Development's Board of Directors, said, “Zentric is a good example of the diverse nature of our economy and our community's ability to be competitive in pursuing diverse employment projects.” </p><p>Zentric's focus on alternative and renewable technology has been the impetus to its recent involvement in solar energy, according to the company's website. Battery back-up and storage is an integral component of solar energy solutions and as a result, Zentric has developed relationships with many solar panel suppliers who do not have the infrastructure or global relationships to expand their sales. </p><p>“Consequently, Zentric has become extremely active in the solar energy arena leveraging our extensive network of business contacts resulting in our participation in the supply and management of solar energy solutions that has become a major revenue contributor to our business model,” the website says. </p><p>Reach Schulman at 828-694-7890 or mark.schulman@blueridgenow.com.</p>